I have a 74 ss16 with the deck engage at the right front foot board. The swing on the lever is about 90 degrees. I was going to add a toe catch but it would come back on top of foot. Has anyone built a hand operated one? Im thinking about a lever up next to dash panel with a couple pivots and heim joints down to factory lever for a short throw at the top maybe 30-45 degrees.

HII DON'T THINK THE TOE KICK ADD ON TO THE LEVER WILL BE A PROBLEM ON YOUR FOOT UNLESS YOU CRAM YOUR FOOT ALL THE WAY TO FRONT OF FOOT BOARD, A BIT OF HEAT AND BEND THE LEVER UP A TAD WILL HELP WITH THE PROBLEM YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT, THE TAB DON'T NEED TO BE VERY LONG BECAUSE I STICK THE TOE OF MY SHOE UNDER AND LIFT LEVER, YOU ARE PROBABLY RUNNING THE DECK CLUTCH BELT TOO TIGHT, WHICH WILL MAKE THE LEVER HARD TO BRING BACK OVER CENTER.OR LOOK FOR THE ENGAGEMENT ASSEMBLY FOR 1978/79 MODEL, NO MODS. NECESSARY, I PUT A PULL BACK HELPER SPRING ON ONE BACK A WHILE, BUT NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO BRING THE LEVER BACK OVER CENTER, THAT WORKED WELL ALSO.JUST MY THOUGHTSJIMMY

I came up with another idea today to add a cable to pull to disengage. I use this mower in some tough places and get into precarious positions that i cant get to lever when i need to. Easily disengaging is my main plan. A heal and toe like a hydrostat could be a 3rd or 4th option. Thanks Georgia for the reply and advise. Im just to the west of you in Alabama.